The Horde's Census: How Mongols Counted Russia

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Mongol census system that underpinned the Golden Horde's rule over Russian principalities for over two centuries. They delve into the 'chislo' — a census conducted by Mongol officials called 'darughachis' or 'chislyaki' — that counted every man, woman, and child for taxation and military conscription. The conversation covers the 1245 census ordered by Batu Khan, the resistance in Novgorod in 1257 led by Alexander Nevsky's son Vasily, and the role of 'baskaks' who enforced the counts. Lucas explains how the census categorized populations into 'tumens' and 'tens' for tribute, and how Russian princes like Ivan Kalita later took over collection through the 'yarlyk' system. The episode also touches on the 1327 Tver Uprising against the Chol Khan's census takers, and the eventual decline of the census as Moscow consolidated power. Specific terms like 'tamga' (commercial tax) and 'yasak' (tribute in furs) are discussed, along with the impact on everyday life. The episode ends with a reflection on how the census shaped Russian state-building and identity. #GoldenHorde #Chislo #MongolCensus #BatuKhan #Novgorod1257 #AlexanderNevsky #TverUprising #Baskak #Darughachi #Yarlyk #Tamga #Yasak #IvanKalita #MongolTaxation #MedievalRussia #History #FexingoHistory #CentralAsia Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo